Verse of the Day for August 14

Without counsel purposes are disappointed. Purposes are plans. Disappointed is a strong word here. It means broken, frustrated, brought to nothing.

The verse does not say plans without counsel are slightly weaker. It says they tend to fall apart. And the opposite: in the multitude of counsellors they are established. Given footing. Made to stand.

The point of decision is exactly where we are least inclined to ask. We have thought it through, we are excited or frightened, and asking feels like slowing down. Sometimes we avoid counsel because we suspect what it will say.

Verse 23 offers a reward for those who ask, and for those who answer: a word spoken in due season, how good is it! One sentence at the right moment can save a family years of trouble. Most of us can remember a word like that, and who said it.

Before you sign, resign, propose or relocate, sit down with two or three people who love God and love you. Tell them the whole plan, including the part you are tempted to leave out. Then listen. The decision is still yours. But it will stand on firmer ground.

Counsel is not weakness at the moment of decision. It is foundation.

Someone near you may be carrying the word in due season.